Workers strike in Spain filling streets and closing businesses

A woman walks past several thousand people taking part in a rally called by Spanish trade unions UGT and CCOO in Vigo, northwestern Spain, March 29, during the 24-hour general strike called in Spain to protest against the Government's labor reform.

Juan Medina / Reuters

Protesters shout slogans during a general strike in central Madrid March 29, 2012. Spanish unions said a high turnout for a general strike to protest government budget cuts and reforms on Thursday had almost brought heavy industry to a halt while the government said the day was proceeding normally.

Andrea Comas / Reuters

A worker walks past AVE high-speed trains at Madrid's Atocha station during a general strike in Spain March 29, 2012. Spanish unions said a high turnout for a general strike to protest government budget cuts and reforms on Thursday had almost brought heavy industry to a halt while the government said the day was proceeding normally.

Pedro Armestre / AFP - Getty Images

A young man is seen bleeding after being struck by police during a national strike in Madrid on March 29, 2012. Unions have called a national strike to protest the labor reforms, which weaken industry-wide work contracts and make it cheaper to lay off workers.

Unions claimed massive participation in the 24-hour stoppage protesting what they claim to be the latest dose of bitter medicine Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's conservative government has prescribed to appease European Union overseers and jittery investors watching Spain's debt grow and its GDP shrink.